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Friday, October 21, 2016

How Can Dumb Criminals Get Away With It?

When you have been married for a couple decades or more, you tend to know exactly what to say and when to say it -- to your spouse. You understand how they think and also what irritates them. You also learn when to keep your mouth shut. It may get easier over the years but there are those moments you simply must take the plunge.

Hubby was complaining about something insignificant. In fact, I can't even remember what it was; but after he finished, I calmly said, "Would you like to switch jobs?"

Dead Silence. Nothing. Then a big smile, "No, that's O K. I've seen your job. I don't want it. You are awesome at all you do."

Guess that's one way to draw out a compliment!

We had the opportunity to stay at a five-star hotel for an all-expense-paid weekend. It was a great break for us. We called our friends who lived close to that city and they met us for dinner. It was one of those times when the food and the ambiance were perfect, which makes for a wonderful evening. We ate on the patio of a beautiful restaurant a few feet from the Caldron and could feel the heat which was much appreciated. The view was exquisite.

The massive, modern Olympic torch built for the 2010 Winter Games was lit to honor the winners of the Rio Olympics. We were thrilled to be there that evening. Can you see us eating on the patio in the background?

How Dumb Can a Criminal Get?

Hubby and I have two jewelry stores. In this economy, it is a struggle to maintain our business and any and all setbacks hit us hard. Some of you will recall the "humorous" account I wrote about one of the robberies at our store. The world's dumbest criminals robbed us in the morning (to the tune of $50,000) and then had the gall to return in the afternoon to sell some of our merchandise back to us! For a hearty laugh and to answer your questions as to why insurance companies pay nothing --click here.

No, it's not Fair!

When the phone rang early Sunday morning a couple weeks ago, I was surprised to see it was from our store manager for one of our stores out of town.

"We were hit last night."

I was still half asleep but immediately felt the adrenaline rush and knew it wasn't good. "Some idiot threw a rock through the front window and reached in to grab whatever he could. Of course, everything valuable is in the safe but he got an eight hundred dollar watch."

My heart sank but I didn't want to wake up hubby with this news so sat in silence in the dark until he woke up. Even though the robber didn't get much of value, the damage to the showcases and some of the artwork that was on display in the front window and, of course, the front window itself would be a major expense. One we cannot afford. Refer to the above article I noted to find out why insurance does not pay - SURPRISE!

Speaking of dumb criminals........this same guy stole a ring while he was in the store last year. He ran out the door with Tony, our store manager, chasing after him. The guy knocked out Tony's front teeth but Tony got the ring back. Yes, our manager is an amazing and dedicated man!

With every story, no matter how negative, we can find something positive and this one is no exception. In a small town, news travels fast and a few days ago the stupid burglar, KIDNAPPED a local drug dealer so that he and his buddies could beat him up for his money and drugs.

A neighbor heard the commotion, called 911 and when the cops showed up, EVERYONE involved went to jail. With his list of offenses, the robber should go away for a long time.

When does it stop?

A few days later, again at three o'clock in the morning, the phone rang. Our power was out due to a severe storm and we were running around in the dark trying to find the phone -- dreading who was on the other end of the line. It was the alarm company.

"We just got an alert that the alarm on your back door has sounded. You need to investigate as soon as possible."

"We can't get there. We have no power and the garage door won't open. Can you send the cops?"

"Sorry, we can't do that unless there is activity inside the store and those alarms have not sounded."

We were able to get another car started that was parked outside and drove there, not knowing what we would find.

The back door to our store is a huge and heavy steel one with two sturdy latches. In front of that is a steel gate to prevent anyone getting in even if they were able to get the door open. When we pulled into the back, the door was swinging in the gusty winds. The alarm was sounding loud and I wondered how many people it woke up.

We will never know how that back door came unlatched and unlocked but can't help but wonder if someone had done that from the inside when they were in the store earlier.

The silver lining

On a lighter note, the highlight of our lives is our grandchildren and our pets. I was so pleased when my daughter called to say that four-year-old William's teacher asked to speak to her one day after school. The teacher told Rochelle that she has never had a student of William's age grasp math and decimals, in particular, as quickly as he has done. She said that her own 13-year-old son was struggling with decimals but William 'got it.'

I hope you enjoy this pic of Aubrie and William (in the background) swimming -- those eyes will get me every time and I know she will learn to use them to her advantage -- especially with her daddy and her grandpa.

William's last catch of the season

It is with deep sorrow that we said our goodbyes to Louis Vuitton this week. Little Louie. Lou Bear. Boo Boo. Please get out the Kleenex and read his story here. All dogs are special and we have rescued over 30 of them, but Louie stands head and shoulders above most. He was the funniest, most clever and compassionate dog I have ever seen. Here is that story.

This is his last picture. He had breakfast at MacDonald's and although very happy and licking Rochelle's face, he went to sleep forever.

This has been the monthly Fly on the Wall blogging challenge. It is a time when we, as bloggers, can share what has been going on in our lives over the past month. If you want the opportunity to brag a little, or cry a little, or laugh -- I encourage you to read the following blog posts and hopefully join us in sharing your life as well.